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Amen ! I love God's Word and the grace message.

That elders should be upright in order to be right. Not to be judgemental because of ones years. They must lead by example always sharing the knowledge of the gospel not others gossip. The truth of our Father and the son who are the truth and the light.

Paul in this chapter gives a clear description of an elder (leading authority) of the church. The church elder is to be one of excellent character and righteous actions, as an example to others in the body of Christ, that all would be as he is. Lord, we ask that You would inspire us by Your word to walk in righteousness as we seek to lead others into the faith. Amen

It is important to effectively know Gods' Word, but it is more important to live Gods' Word. To encourage others to see the Jesus in us.

I pray that I stand firm on God's word regardless of what and who may come against me. When the pressures of this world squeeze me I want the word of God to come out!

This verse means to me that leaders must be welcoming to people, be helpful, wise, fair, very respectful, have control of himself, and have a good understanding of the Message, knowing how to use the truth to incite people on in knowledge or stop people in their tracks if they oppose it.

The encouraging of sound doctrine can only be done when the one holding the trustworthy message of the Gospel can detect false teaching. That requires knowing what the pages of the Bible really teach. Those who look to have their ears "tickeled" need someone to open God's Word to them one on one so they can see and hear what is true verses the untruth. As one encourages others he himself/herself is made stronger in the defense of the Gospel.

First, the message from God through his word is fully and completely worthy of my trust. It is a bedrock for life and living. It is also the only message which can lift and encourage others who are in need of hope that is real and lasting. Finally, it has the power to undo by its very nature the lies which oppose the Gospel. The message has been attacked by many through the centuries and has alway stood because of its power to refute error.

A present day admonition to those of us serving in official positions in our own churches.

This means we should follow the teachings of the Bible. Study it memorize it not only so we can stay strong in the word but so we can defend it to non believers.